Hickory wood is very eye-catching, for its grain is very distinctive and unique from all other hardwood flooring. Its color and distinctive grain portrays a sharp contrast, and the color varies. The heartwood ranges from a light brown hue to a darker reddish brown color. The sapwood is lighter, and has a whiter tone to it, which gives the hickory hardwood floors their magnificent contrast and distinction. Usually, only the heartwood of the Hickory tree is utilized to produce the hardwood floors, and therefore, the shades of the wood produced are very rich in brown. Hickory wood originates in North America, and is also utilized to produce kitchen cabinets, furniture, sporting goods, and tool handles. They are highly shock resistant, and very tough and durable. Among all of the Northern American hardwoods, the hickory hardwood flooring remains as the hardest and strongest. They range from $8 to $12 per square foot.